Ruchy Fiedler, a Hasidism and modern literature buff, likes dissecting all things Hasidic and literary. She is the author of the blog Hasidism and Literature. Her work has appeared under various pseudonyms, one of which is Ruchy Fiedler, in various print and online journals, one of which is Unpious. She lives in a Hasidic community with a husband, children, a china closet, and no dogs.

Nice. I like the paradox theme, of white and black, body and soul, and the opposite meanings of “cleave.”

Of course, it’s particularly fitting for this site, Unpious, which is frequented by those who’ve separated in some ways, but are still connected in others…

Keep up the good work!

RuchyF on April 21, 2010 at 8:18 pm

Thank you, guys. I’m glad the poem resonated with you and am especially pleased that you find it fitting for this site. Just to give credit to its muse, my original inspiration was a dance called “Cleave,” choreographed by Douglas Dunn. I saw it at the St. Marks Church, a wonderful space; in fact, the dance played tribute to the space. The combination of the church setting, the artsy choreography and, of course, my own thoughts (which may very well be the reason for the poem’s apropos message to Unpious readers) inspired me to write this piece.

Michael P. on April 21, 2010 at 9:38 pm

You went into a church??? Rachmoona l’tzlan…

RuchyF on April 21, 2010 at 10:26 pm

Michael, to be mekayem “vehyisem nekiyim,” I want to point out that the space is not an actual place of worship, but a large room on the side made especially for art exhibitions and performances.

Bingo on April 22, 2010 at 7:32 am

Wow, great poem! I’m a poet my self, to some extend, but still don’t understand yours. I guess I’ll have to learn a better english before reading/understanding your writings.

kafhakela on April 22, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Bingo, your spell-checker does a great job. (Hint: if a word is wrongly spelled but is a word with a different meaning, your spell-checker won’t catch it.)

quasi intellectual-quasi chussid on April 25, 2010 at 2:11 pm

Though I’m not sure how seriously your 2nd comment re church was meant, but I identify with it. It took me quite some time to overcome my socio-culturally programmed ‘Cloister-phobia’. When I did finally get over it, oh! My God! Was I grateful to the God within me: my One n Only God, Amen!

You cursorily mentioned the issue of V’he-ye-tem n’kiyim… […ye shall be clear before God and before Israel –Numbers 32, ]. There’s an interesting halakhic response of the Chattam Sopher wherein he posits, with all deferential provisioning and so-to-speak speaking, that although the Gad and Reuven tribes per the biblical narrative seemingly fulfilled the commands given to them by Mosheh, but even so they didn’t stand clear before suspicions and accusations of Israel. Furthermore, he says, “Who more than Mosheh our master himself is so constantly and vehemently cast under the aspersions of Israel”. So he sums it with the Talmudic phrase, “All my days I am troubled by this verse”.

The poem itself is great; rich with philosophical, spiritual, and mystical images and echoes. I’d love to elaborate, but I see you’ve provided us with some fresh food for thought and I’m always hungry for such. So thank you again. Keep’em coming!